Travel Guide to Greece

Greece offers an extraordinary combination of ancient history, stunning islands, beautiful beaches, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and warm hospitality. From Athens' world-famous ancient monuments to Santorini's romantic caldera sunsets, from Mykonos' vibrant nightlife to Crete's mountain villages and gorges, Greece delivers experiences that have captivated travelers for millennia.

Most trips revolve around several key themes: ancient history and archaeology, island hopping and beaches, Greek cuisine and culture, outdoor activities and nature, and local island life.

Greece is the cradle of Western civilization, and its ancient sites remain among the world's most impressive.

• Athens:
• Acropolis and Parthenon** – The iconic 5th-century BC temple dedicated to Athena, symbol of ancient Athens and democracy.
• Acropolis Museum** – Modern museum housing original sculptures and artifacts from the Acropolis.
• Ancient Agora** – Marketplace and political center of classical Athens with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus** – Colossal temple ruins near the city center.
• National Archaeological Museum** – Greece's largest museum with treasures from across the ancient Greek world.

• Other Major Sites:
• Delphi** – Sacred sanctuary and oracle of Apollo in dramatic mountain setting.
• Olympia** – Birthplace of the Olympic Games with ancient stadium and temples.
• Mycenae and Epidaurus** – Bronze Age citadel and ancient theatre with perfect acoustics.
• Knossos, Crete** – Minoan palace complex from Bronze Age civilization.
• Delos** – Sacred island birthplace of Apollo with extensive ruins.
• Meteora** – Byzantine monasteries perched atop dramatic rock pillars.

• First-timer tip:** A classic itinerary combines 2-3 days in Athens, 2-3 days in Santorini, 2 days in Mykonos, and 2-3 days on another island (Crete, Rhodes, or Naxos).

Greece has over 6,000 islands and islets, though only about 227 are inhabited. Island hopping is a quintessential Greek experience.

• Cyclades Islands:
• Santorini** – Volcanic caldera, white-washed villages clinging to cliffs, spectacular sunsets, unique volcanic beaches, wine tours.
• Mykonos** – Cosmopolitan party island with windmills, Little Venice, designer boutiques, beach clubs, and vibrant LGBTQ scene.
• Naxos** – Largest Cycladic island with beautiful beaches, mountain villages, ancient ruins, and local character.
• Paros** – Charming villages (Naoussa, Parikia), beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere.
• Milos** – Dramatic volcanic landscapes, colorful fishing villages (Klima), unique geological formations.

• Dodecanese Islands:
• Rhodes** – Medieval old town, ancient Lindos, beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine.
• Kos** – Ancient ruins, beaches, cycling-friendly, lively nightlife.

• Ionian Islands:
• Corfu** – Lush green landscapes, Venetian architecture, beautiful beaches.
• Zakynthos** – Famous Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

• Crete:

• Ferry Network:

Greek food celebrates fresh, simple ingredients – olive oil, vegetables, seafood, cheese, yogurt, and herbs.

• Classic Dishes:
• Moussaka** – Layered eggplant, meat sauce, and béchamel.
• Greek Salad (Horiatiki)** – Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, feta, olive oil.
• Souvlaki and Gyros** – Grilled meat skewers and wrapped sandwiches.
• Spanakopita** – Spinach and feta phyllo pie.
• Tzatziki** – Yogurt, cucumber, garlic dip.
• Fresh Seafood** – Grilled octopus, calamari, sea bream, sea bass.
• Saganaki** – Fried cheese appetizer.
• Baklava** – Honey and nut phyllo pastry.

• Food Experiences:
• Tavernas** – Traditional restaurants serving home-style Greek cooking.
• Mezze** – Small plates for sharing with drinks (ouzo, raki, wine).
• Greek Coffee** – Strong coffee served in small cups.
• Wine** – Greece produces excellent wines including Assyrtiko (Santorini), Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko.

• Cultural Traditions:
• Greek Dancing** – Traditional dances often performed at festivals and celebrations.
• Orthodox Churches** – Beautiful Byzantine churches and monasteries with icons and frescoes.
• Greek Hospitality (Philoxenia)** – Tradition of welcoming strangers as honored guests.
• Siesta** – Midday rest period (roughly 2-5pm) when many shops close.

Greece is famous for stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters in shades of turquoise and blue.

• Iconic Beaches:
• Navagio Beach, Zakynthos** – Shipwreck Cove with white cliffs and turquoise water (boat access only).
• Elafonissi, Crete** – Pink sand beach with shallow lagoon.
• Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia** – Dramatic white pebble beach with steep cliffs.
• Balos Lagoon, Crete** – Tropical-looking lagoon with white sand and turquoise water.
• Red Beach, Santorini** – Unique volcanic red sand beach.

Greece is surprisingly mountainous with dramatic landscapes beyond the beaches.

• Mount Olympus – Mythical home of the gods and Greece's highest peak (2,918 m), popular for hiking.
• Samaria Gorge, Crete – 16 km hiking trail through spectacular canyon.
• Vikos Gorge – One of the world's deepest gorges in Zagori region.
• Meteora – Massive rock pillars crowned with Byzantine monasteries.

Many islands offer beautiful interior landscapes: - Naxos – Mountain villages, valleys, and hiking trails. - Crete – Mountains, gorges, caves, and traditional villages. - Rhodes – Green interior with butterfly valley and mountain villages.

Spring brings wildflowers, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.

• Wildflowers blanket islands and countryside
• Greek Easter celebrations (dates vary) – most important religious holiday
• Ideal weather for hiking and archaeological sites (20-25°C)
• Lower accommodation prices than summer
• Some islands have limited services early season

Peak tourist season with hot, dry weather and vibrant island life.

• Beach season in full swing with water sports
• All islands fully operational with maximum ferry schedules
• Festivals and outdoor concerts
• Vibrant nightlife especially Mykonos and Athens
• Very hot temperatures (30-40°C), especially in Athens and interior
• Most expensive period with crowds at popular sites
• Book ferries and accommodation well ahead

Excellent shoulder season with warm seas, good weather, and fewer crowds.

• Sea still warm from summer (22-25°C)
• Pleasant temperatures (20-28°C)
• Grape harvest season
• Lower prices than summer
• Fewer tourists at archaeological sites
• Some island services begin closing late October

Off-season with many island services closed but Athens remains active.

• Athens perfect for museums and ancient sites without crowds
• Very low prices on open accommodations
• Many island hotels, restaurants, and ferry routes closed
• Mild temperatures but rainy periods
• Skiing available on Mount Parnassos near Delphi
• Carnival celebrations (February/March)

• Sailing and Yacht Charters – Explore islands by boat with bare-boat or skippered charters.
• Scuba Diving – Underwater caves, reefs, and shipwrecks around islands.
• Snorkeling – Clear waters ideal for spotting marine life.
• Hiking – Samaria Gorge, Mount Olympus, island trails, Zagori villages.
• Rock Climbing – Kalymnos island is a world-renowned climbing destination.
• Windsurfing and Kitesurfing – Excellent conditions in Cyclades (Paros, Naxos).
• Sea Kayaking – Explore coastal caves and hidden coves.
• Canyoning – In Crete and mainland gorges.

Greece offers a wide range of accommodation from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

• Hostel dorm beds: €10–25 per night.
• Private rooms in hostels: €25–45 per night.
• Budget hotels and guesthouses: €30–55 per night.
• Simple studios on islands: €35–60 per night.

• 3-star hotels: €60–120 per night for double rooms.
• Island cave houses and traditional accommodations: €80–150 per night.
• Airbnb entire apartments: €50–100 per night.
• Boutique hotels: €90–160 per night.

• 4-star hotels: €130–250 per night.
• 5-star hotels and resorts: €200–600+ per night; suites €400–1,200+.
• Santorini caldera-view suites: €250–800 per night.
• Private villas with pools: €300–1,000+ per night.

• Peak season (June-August): Prices 50-100% higher, especially Santorini and Mykonos.
• Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October): Excellent value with good weather.
• Off-season (November-March): Lowest prices but many island hotels closed.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the following can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism:

• United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• Most European Union countries
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others

Visa-free entry does not permit paid employment.

Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen visa in advance:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining recommended)
• Completed application form and photos
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage
• Proof of accommodation and return flights
• Financial means (bank statements)
• Processing: 10-15 business days

Greece offers various long-term visa options:

• Golden Visa – Real estate investment program (€250,000+ property purchase).
• Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers (recently introduced).
• Work Visa – For employees with Greek job offers.
• Student Visa – For university enrollment.

On arrival expect to:

• Present passport and visa (if required) to immigration.
• May be asked about purpose, length of stay, and accommodation.
• Collect baggage and proceed through customs.
• EU citizens use separate lanes with minimal checks.

Declare cash over €10,000. Certain foods, medications, and goods have restrictions. Greece prohibits export of antiquities without special permits.

Greece has a mixed healthcare system with public ESY (National Healthcare System) and private facilities. Public healthcare is available to residents and EU citizens with EHIC cards, though quality varies.

Tourists from outside the EU are not covered by public healthcare and must pay full costs upfront or through private insurance.

• Payment expected at time of service – cash or credit cards accepted.
• Public hospitals serve emergencies but may have long waits; private clinics faster for non-urgent care.
• English-speaking staff common in Athens and tourist islands, less so in rural areas.
• Pharmacies widely available; pharmacists can recommend treatments for minor issues.
• Medical costs moderate compared to US but still substantial without insurance.

• Routine Care:
• General practitioner visit: €40–90
• Specialist consultation: €70–150
• Prescription medications: €5–40 depending on medication

• Emergency Care:
• Emergency room visit: €100–350 for initial assessment
• Overnight hospital stay: €300–800 per day
• Intensive care unit (ICU): €1,000–3,000 per day
• Emergency surgery: €2,500–12,000+

• Specialized Procedures:
• MRI scan: €250–600
• CT scan: €180–450
• Appendectomy: €2,000–5,500
• Fracture treatment with surgery: €1,200–6,000

• Dental Care:
• Routine cleaning: €35–70
• Filling: €40–120
• Root canal: €180–450
• Crown: €300–700

In serious cases, medical evacuation may be necessary:

• Air ambulance to US East Coast: $140,000–260,000
• Air ambulance to US West Coast: $165,000–300,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: $10,000–35,000
• Ground ambulance within Greece: €150–600
• Inter-island medical transfers: €300–1,500

Athens and popular tourist islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete) have hospitals and private clinics with English-speaking staff. Smaller islands have basic health centers with limited services.

• Emergency number: 112** (ambulance, fire, police - all emergencies)
• Tourist Police: 171** (multilingual assistance)

Private hospitals in Athens: - Metropolitan Hospital - Athens Medical Center - Hygeia Hospital

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, and required for Schengen visa applicants with minimum €30,000 medical coverage.

• Medical Coverage
• Minimum €30,000 (about $33,000) required for Schengen visa.
• Recommended $50,000–100,000 for comprehensive coverage.
• Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency treatment.
• Confirm pre-existing condition coverage.

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Minimum $100,000; recommended $250,000–500,000.
• Essential for island medical emergencies requiring transfer to Athens or home country.
• Covers evacuation to nearest suitable facility or home country.
• Includes repatriation of remains.

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Protects non-refundable costs (flights, hotels, ferries, tours).
• Covers cancellation for illness, injury, family emergencies.
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) for maximum flexibility.
• Important for island-hopping trips with pre-booked ferries.

• Personal Property & Theft
• Pickpocketing common in Athens metro and crowded tourist sites.
• Upgrade coverage to €2,000–3,000 for electronics and cameras.
• Beach theft occurs – don't leave valuables unattended.

• Adventure Sports Coverage
• Standard policies may exclude scooter/ATV rentals, diving, sailing, water sports.
• Scooter accidents very common – ensure coverage or use caution.
• Declare activities when purchasing policy.
• Water sports coverage essential for island activities.

• Medical: Scooter/ATV accidents (very common), food poisoning, heat exhaustion, dehydration, jellyfish stings, diving injuries.
• Theft: Pickpocketing in Athens metro and tourist sites, beach theft, rental car break-ins.
• Trip interruption: Ferry cancellations due to weather (especially shoulder seasons), strikes (occasionally affect ferries and flights), missed connections.
• Lost luggage: On inter-island flights and ferries.

When comparing policies, focus on: - Medical and evacuation limits (meet Schengen minimum €30,000). - Pre-existing condition coverage. - Adventure sports inclusion (especially scooter/ATV coverage). - Inter-island medical evacuation coverage. - Ferry cancellation/delay coverage. - Deductibles and co-pays. - 24/7 assistance with English-language support.

For island-hopping trips, ensure coverage includes ferry cancellations and inter-island medical transfers. For adventure activities (sailing, diving, scooter rentals), verify specific coverage.

Greece offers an unparalleled combination of ancient history, stunning island beauty, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. From exploring the Acropolis at sunrise to watching Santorini's famous sunset, from discovering hidden island coves to hiking dramatic gorges, Greece delivers experiences that blend ancient heritage with modern pleasures.

The country's extensive island network, excellent summer weather, relatively affordable costs, and safe environment make it ideal for first-time European travelers and seasoned explorers alike. Whether you're fascinated by ancient ruins, seeking perfect beaches, craving fresh seafood and Greek wine, or hoping to experience authentic island life, Greece welcomes you with legendary philoxenia (hospitality).

With thoughtful planning around seasons (avoiding peak summer crowds if possible), island logistics (ferry schedules and connections), accommodation booking (especially for summer), visa requirements, healthcare costs, and comprehensive travel insurance (especially for scooter rentals and island-hopping), you'll be well-prepared to explore this timeless Mediterranean destination that has captivated travelers for thousands of years.